In the year 2016: The 30 fastest-growing jobs

If you’re considering switching careers—or are just starting to think about where to start yours—this is the list for you: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of the 30 fastest-growing careers.

The projections, which are updated every two years, show that the total number of people employed in the United States will have increased 10 percent — by 15. 6 million — between 2006 and 2016. However, some jobs will grow at a much faster rate during that period.

The careers on this list range from the always-in-demand, engineers and healthcare aides, to the slightly more quirky — gambling officers, anyone?

Education/training: Most personal appearance workers need to graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology school and pass a license exam. Some state require separate licensing exams specifically for manicurists and pedicurists.

Job outlook: An increase in the number of nail salons and spas is expected to propel growth.

Education/training: Requirements vary from employer to employer, but most working in the field have at least two years of specialized training, a two-year associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.

Job outlook: As the professional world takes a growing interest in environmental monitoring, management, and regulatory compliance, technicians will be needed to regulate waste, clean up contamination, and collect samples to help monitor pollution levels.

Education/training: A bachelor’s degree and experience with a variety of software and systems are a must. However, engineers are expected to continue to educate themselves in the latest technology.

Job outlook: This occupation will grow as the demand for computer networking skills, particularly at companies, increases. The need for new Internet applications, system safety, and upgrading are a few of the specific needs this job handles.

Education/training: At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science is necessary, but a master’s in business administration, with a focus on information systems, is growing more common and desirable.

Job outlook: As businesses continue to rely more heavily on technology there will be a demand for professionals that can create and manage databases that store information on customers, inventory, and projects.

Education/training: In the past, a high school diploma and on-the-job training were all that was required, but many dental assistants are now completing one- or two-year certificate or diploma programs.

Job outlook: As dental health among older generations improves, routine preventative care is needed more than ever before. Also, younger dentists entering the field are more likely to work with assistants.

Education/training: Requirements vary, but a master’s degree is usually necessary to be licensed as a counselor.

Job outlook: The outlook for mental health counselors has gotten a boost from insurance companies, which are increasingly covering counselors’ costs because they’re cheaper than psychologists or psychiatrists. Also, more will be needed as states build networks to improve service for children and adolescents.

Education/training: Dental hygienists must get a state license to practice. A degree from dental hygiene school is also usually .required

Job outlook: Dental hygienists will continue to be in demand as the population ages and care improves. Older patients are keeping their teeth longer instead of wearing dentures. Hygienists will take over more tasks that were previously performed by dentists.

Education/training: Most of the training a pharmacy technician receives is on the job. However, education, experience, certification, and customer service skills will aid someone looking to break into this field.

Job outlook: The demand for pharmacy technicians will increase along with the elderly population. Pharmacies looking to cut costs will shift more responsibilities from pharmacists to technicians.

Education/training: PTAs are required to complete an accredited, 2-year program that combines semesters of academic study and hands-on clinical experience. After completing the program, PTAs must be accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Depending on the state of employment additional testing and licensing may be required.

Job outlook: Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, skilled nursing, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated. Job prospects should be especially favorable in rural areas, as many physical therapists tend to cluster in highly populated urban and suburban areas.

Education/training: A certificate program is likely the highest level of education needed for this position. Training is often conducted in a casino-like atmosphere using surveillance equipment. Prior casino or security experience is preferred.

Job outlook: It’s no surprise why this profession will grow through 2016; look no further than Massachusetts, which is considering building three casinos.

Education/training: Training programs for skin care specialists can be found in both high schools and post-secondary vocational schools.

Job outlook: Estheticians are the skin care specialists who will likely see the most job growth, but all parts of the industry are expected to expand as more skin treatments become available in spas and medical facilities.

Education/training: Veterinarians must complete a four-year post-grad program to receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. That’s no easy task — admission to veterinary school is competitive. Before practicing, veterinarians must also be licensed by the state.

Job outlook: Pet owners are increasingly seeking nontraditional services, such as preventative dental care. Advances in the field are also allowing veterinarians to offer procedures common for humans, including hip replacement, blood transfusions, and cancer treatment, creating a need for more professionals.

Education/training: A one-year certificate or two-year associate’s degree program is often required, but medical assistants also receive on-the-job training specific from their employer.

Job outlook: The medical industry is expected to expand because of technological advances and the growing elderly population. As the healthcare industry expands, more practices and clinics requiring large support staffs are opening.

Education/training: A high school diploma or GED may be required depending on the employer. There are also schools that specialize in makeup artist training, but this is not required.

Job outlook: While this occupation is growing by a large percentage, its still a relatively small profession and the number of people interested in this field will still far exceed the number of available positions.

Education/training: The minimum requirement for a financial adviser is a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s a field in which workers frequently attend training courses to keep up with changes in the industry.

Job outlook: Although this is expected to be one of the top 10 fastest-growing occupations, competition for new jobs is expected to be tough. Again, this industry’s growth can be attributed in large part to the millions of baby boomers who will soon retire.

Education/training: There are two educational tracks available to people entering the veterinary field: a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited community college veterinary technician program, or a four-year bachelor’s degree from one of about 16 colleges in the country that offer programs.

Job outlook: Pet owners are increasingly thinking of Tabby or Spot as members of the family, creating a boom in this industry. Pet owners are becoming more affluent, and the number of pets is growing, boosting demand for specialized veterinary services.

Education/training: Requirements may vary from job to job, but in 2006, eight in 10 workers held at least a bachelor’s degree. Knowledge and experience with a variety of computer systems is also a major plus.

Job outlook: This industry will grow as computer networking grows, and businesses seek to become more efficient using emerging technology.

Education/training: Home health aides are not required to have a high school diploma; they receive most of their training on the job from experienced aides or nurses. Classroom training, lectures, and workshops may be required depending on employer.

Job outlook: While personal and home care aides provide mostly housekeeping and routine services, home health aides provide more extensive healthcare than family and friends can manage. A growing demand for home services among the elderly and the pressure to contain costs by moving patients home sooner will make home health aides one of the fastest growing aide professions. A possible downside, however, is that most employers only hire on-call hourly workers and do not offer benefits.

Education/training: Some states only require on-the-job training; other states may require formal training that can be completed at community colleges, vocational schools, home healthcare agencies, and elder care programs.

Job outlook: Rapid job growth is expected because of the projected rise in the number of elderly people, who are increasingly relying on home care.